Greg Gould is giving survivors a voice
Australian Greg Gould has released his powerful and important new song ‘Who Gave You Permission?’. The new song tackles the tricky subject matter of sexual abuse and along with its accompanying strong yet confronting music video serves as an anthem for survivors. We caught up with the former Australia’s Got Talent runner-up to ask him about ‘Who Gave You Permission?’, the challenges of bringing this dark chapter into the light and what’s next for this talented Aussie singer-songwriter.
Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Music Kingdom Australia
Greg, you have just released your new song 'Who Gave You Permission?' a song that is both confronting and beautiful. If you don't mind can you explain to readers what inspired the writing of this song?
Thank you so much, Michelle, it was written from a very raw and very real place of trauma and overcoming shame and confusion. The huge beaming light here is that I’ve been able to turn my darkest times now into an anthem of survival and hand back that shame and hopefully be a voice for others who feel silenced
Was creating this track a cathartic experience for you?
It absolutely was and continues to be healing. It’s still overwhelming at times but I feel much stronger and way less alone since releasing this song 2 weeks ago - the DMs are so special filled with messages of support and fellow survivors telling me their stories - it’s been a beautiful united exchange
“it’s something I’ve kept hidden for a long time and it no longer weighs me down so heavily”
"Who Gave You Permission?' is a song that gives a voice to survivors, was it important to you to provide that platform for victims?
Yes, I think it was - it’s something I’ve kept hidden for a long time and it no longer weighs me down so heavily. So for others to see me standing up tall and be not only believed but understood, feel way less shame and be loved through it - I hope others are inspired by that cos they too have that power in them. Im so proud of all the women who were the driving force behind the #MeToo movement and I think it can be hard for men also, and I’m a gay man who was abused by a male and female - I want other men to feel ok to speak up also.
The music video for this song is equally confronting. Who came up with the concept for the video? Was it hard to make given its a physical exercise?
It was my concept, based on my own experiences. I didn’t want it to be over-dramatised or trivialised in any way and I wanted to show strength and healing and I think we did that. I’m really proud of it. It was definitely hard to be on set and relive some of these experiences too but I was so proud of Chris, Jess & Chase our brilliant actors that dug deep and really did a stellar job.
“I feel like it’s a battle cry of hope.”
Will this be a stand-alone song or will it feature on your forthcoming album 'Strings Attached'?
It will definitely be on my new album - I’m so excited to finally have my first full original LP out in the universe! There’s some really personal and special tracks on there - this is def one of my favourites to perform. I feel like it’s a battle cry of hope.
'Strings Attached' is due out on the 12th of July. What can fans expect from your debut LP?
Heartfelt vocals, personal stories, some fun bops, big ballads and some of my best and most powerful vocals to date.
“I never wanted to put something out that wasn’t 100% authentic ”
You have been in the spotlight since your time on Australia's Got Talent in 2013, why have you waited to now to release a full-length album?
To be perfectly honest I’ve had a few false starts in original music from failed record deals to people trying to make me something I’m not. I never wanted to put something out that wasn’t 100% authentic so I stayed making interesting covers and interpretations for a while but it was time for me to have something to say - my lyrics my melodies my creative release.
What have been the benefits and drawback in having Australia's Got Talent as your launching platform?
There can be a stigma behind TV talent shows but we live in a world now where there are only so many opportunities to get heard and seen so I think do whatever is in your heart and feels comfortable. It certainly launched me out to the world and gave me that kick-start I needed. I am grateful for my experience.
“it’s gonna be pretty magical ”
Are there plans to tour after the album's release in July?
Absolutely there will be some album launches mid July with a live string quartet. I can’t wait to perform these songs live - some I’ve never sung before - it’s gonna be pretty magical
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
I love this question so much. I can’t go past 2 very special people - my drummer/MD Anthony is a legend and a great human being - so talented and works so hard - and my talented manager Daniel who has become my creative partner in crime and an amazing influence in my life and career.
Do you have a message for your fans and supporters?
I see you, I love you, I thank you and the best is yet to come. Can’t wait to see you all at my shows and to make some awesome memories together
Please contact https://www.1800respect.org.au/ if you have been assaulted or need to talk
GREG GOULD – UPCOMING SHOWS
GREEK LEGENDS OF THE 20TH CENTURY FRI 10 MAY | PALAIS THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC | ALL AGES Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | All Ticketmaster Outlets
KEEP THE FAITH - GEORGE MICHAEL & WHITNEY HOUSTON SAT 18 MAY | ROYAL BRIGHTON YACHT CLUB, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+ Tickets available from trybooking.com
SYNTHONY FRI 7 & SAT 8 JUNE | CARRIAGEWORKS, SYDNEY NSW | 18+ Tickets available from www.carriageworks.com.au
Interview by Michelle Symes
April 2024